12:24 p.m. - The New River Organic Growers received $54,549 in grant money from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Despite the name of the state committee, the grant money does not go support NROG to grow tobacco.

State Representative Cullie Tarleton explained that the grant will help the NROG better market their products.

Tarleton said, “Basically what they will do, and it really affects Watauga and Ashe more than other counties, it will allow them to do a better job in assisting farmers in marketing their products. Many of which are sold at local farmers markets, both the one in Boone and the one in West Jefferson. It’s just another step in trying to facilitate that from farm to table.”

The NROG provides fresh produce and humanely raised meats to consumers across the state.